N.J. frack waste move sparks debate

• Tweet

TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- America's Natural Gas Alliance applauded a decision by the New Jersey government to veto a ban on the treatment of waste generated from fracking.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie last week vetoed a measure that would have banned the state from processing and storing wastewater generated from the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas deposits.

ANGA Executive Vice President Tom Amontree said he supported Christie's ban, adding the legislation wasn't based on good scientific data.

"Natural gas is developed safely and responsibly across the nation and we are committed to policies based in fact and sound science," Amontree said in a statement. "This includes the responsible disposal of water from hydraulic fracturing activities."

In a veto message cited by the Platts news service, Christie said state laws shouldn't interfere with national commerce.

Some of the chemicals used during hydraulic fracturing, known also as fracking, are dangerous to the environment.

Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, said Christie sold out to the energy sector by vetoing the measure.

"We already have enough pollution in our waterways, we don't need any more from fracking wastewater," he said in a statement. "We do not need out of state waste haulers dumping in New Jersey."